THE ISSUE: TSA opening more family lanes at local airports.

They are four of the most terrifying words you will ever hear: Air travel at Thanksgiving.

The words themselves conjure up images of overcrowded airports, people loaded down with packages, long lines everywhere, tempers running short, delays, bad weather at northern airports, you name it. It causes more angst than looking at your 401(k) statement.

Travel this Thanksgiving season - traditionally the busiest travel time of the year - will still require all the patience you can muster, but it might be just a tad easier because of designated security lanes for families.

The Transportation Security Administration is opening the so-called "family lanes" at virtually every airport - including the three major airports in South Florida. The idea is to make things easier for parents traveling with children and inexperienced travelers, and maybe make the whole process a bit smoother for all security lanes.

The advantage of the family lane is simple - families with kids can move at their own, more relaxed pace through the screening process. Lanes for expert travelers and casual travelers should move faster. According to the TSA, people carrying medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols in excess of three ounces will also be directed to the family lanes.

Whether having a dedicated lane strictly for families slows down other lanes at airports is something that will be monitored.

Getting through airports at Thanksgiving still won't be a time to treasure. But if it's a bit easier, kudos to the often criticized TSA.

Now, if we can just get airlines to stop nickel-and-diming passengers to death with those add-on fees. . .